b"Face Seal FinnedWindow with StuccoFinish on Wood Framed WallUsing a stucco finish over a wood framed home is atricky window and door installation. It is a very commonexterior finish in California and other warmer climates.Stucco is not waterproof - no matter how skilled theplasterer is. Rain will get behind the stuccoThe goal, then, is to seal the window and door againstwater penetration before the stucco finish is applied tomake sure the water behind the stucco will run downand out, and not penetrate the seal around the window.Since stucco itself will let water through, then the mostimportant aspect of the window installation is build theproper drainage plane behind the stucco cladding and if it doesn't work right, it puts undue pressure on thewindow flashing - sometimes beyond its design.The following diagrams show a double system The first flashes the window, and the second re-flashesKing Studthe installed window to create the drainage plane Rough Headerbehind the final stucco, cement or plaster finish.The drainage plane also serves to protect the framing Jack Studfrom the water that comes through and behind the Cripple Studstucco. Rough SillBe cautious where the fasteners are applied to mountthe lathe. Errant nails or hardware can puncture thewell flashed window creating the very water paths youso carefully tried to avoid.It is also recommended that a weep screen be used toassure proper drainage out of any water behind the sys-tem. When sealing along the bottom, make sure you leave two 2-inch gaps where there is no sealant, to allow proper drainage when necessary,Window Fitters Guide to Window Installation1032020 AWDI, LLC Do not reproduce without permission"